Self-locking stand



R. A. KNAUS SELF-LOCKING STAND Oct. 3, 1950 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 18, 1946 @Jaw Az sw ATTE R N EYB Oct. 3, 1950 R. A. KNAus 2,524,450

SELF-LOCKING STAND Filed Nov. 18, 1946 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 AIX/6 /4 2 INVEEZQ. Pac/0M B* ATTE! RN EYB Patented Oct. 3, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SELF-LOCKING STAND Rudolph A. Knaus, Euclid, Ohio Application November 18, 1946, Serial No. 710,719

1 Claim. 1

This invention relates to a self-locking stand that may be used for Christmas trees, flags, photographers lights, signs, cameras, blackboards or similar objects.

An object of the invention is to provide a stand that is adaptable to any diameter, simple to operate, light in weight, durable in use and eiiicient in operation.

With the above and other objects and advantages in view, the invention consists of the novel details of construction, arrangement and combination of parts more fully hereinafter described, claimed and illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an elevational view of an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a top plan View in closed position;

Figure 3 is the same, in open position;

Figure 4 is a sectional View on the line 4-4 of Figure 3 and Figure 5 is a sectional view on the line 5 5 of Figure 3.

Referring more in detail to the drawings, the reference numeral I comprises the main body which is square in cross section, hollow and provided with a longitudinal slot l I in the top thereof. A secondary member I2 similar to the body is secured to the body to form a crossshaped base which provides the main support for the articles as mentioned above.

The ends of the body IIJ and member I2 are provided with feet I3 which may be of rubber or similar material to protect the surface on which the base is placed, or a U-shaped bracket I4 carrying a caster wheel I may be secured to each end of the members I Il and I2 below the feet I3 by bolts I6, to provide a portable support if desired.

Mounted for sliding movement on the body I0 are the jaw plates Il having the upstanding opposed arcuate shaped jaws I8.

T-shaped runners I9 secured to the under surface of the plates Il within the body IU engage the slot II therein to guide and retain the plates on the body I0. Each plate, at its outer end, is provided with a right angularly extending arm 20 which has connection rods 2I pivoted to the outer ends thereof at 22. The opposite ends of the rods 2l are pivoted to a handle 23 at 24 and 25 respectively, and the handle is provided at its outer ends with grips 26 secured thereto by rivets 21.

The handle is pivotally mounted on a pin 28 mounted on a reduced portion 29 of the member I2, and also mounted on the pin below the handle in xed relation to the portion 29 is a plate 30, having teeth 3| on half of its outer periphery to form a rack for engagement with the pawl 32 pivotally mounted at 33 on the handle 23. A coiled spring 34 engages the outer end of the pawl and the handle 23 retains the pawl in ensagement with the rack.

All of the parts are secured together by spot welding, making a light, strong and durable structure.

In use, the handle is pivoted on the pin 28 to open the jaws I8 as shown in Figure 3 or close them, as shown in Figure 2. When the jaws are open, an article can be placed therebetween,l and when the jaws are closed on the article by the handle, the pawl will engage the rack to lock the jaws in supporting position depending upon the diameter ofthe article to be supported.

It is believed that from the foregoing description, the operation and construction of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and it is to be understood that changes in the minor details of construction, arrangement and combination of parts may be resorted to, provided they fall within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claim.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

A device of the character described comprising a pair of elongated rectangular shaped hollow members which are joined at their centers to form a cross shaped base, and one of said members having a longitudinally extending slot therein, supporting jaws, T-shaped guide runners on the lower surface of said jaws slidably mounted in the slot in the latter member of said base, said guide runners adapted to retain and guide the jaws in their movement on said base, an outwardly extending arm on the outer end of each jaw, a connecting rod pivotally connected at one end to the outer end of each jaw, a plate portion rigidly connected to the other of said first said members, a pin mounted centrally of the plate in vertical relation thereto, a handle pivotally mounted on said pin and the opposite ends of said connecting rods pivotally connected to said handle in eccentric relation to each other, teeth on a portion of the outer edge of said plate, a pawl pivotally mounted on said handle for engagement with said plate, and said handle upon the movement thereof on its pivot adapted to open and close said jaws to support an article on said base and the coaction of said pawl with said teeth adapted to hold said jaws in closed position.

RUDOLPH A. KNAUSI.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 367,175 Bachlott July 26, 1887 654,768 Thoburn July 31, 1900 1,155,383 Tischer Oct, 5, 1915 

